This is my second novel by Samantha Tonge and I’m really just wondering why I haven’t read more, more, more?!

I enjoyed One Summer in Rome a coupe years ago and reading The Winter We Met reminded me just how well this author captures emotions and makes the reader feel them too.

Let’s start with the beautiful setting. I love an author who can create a delightful sense of space without having to waffle on for pages about paint colour and furniture textures. Samantha’s descriptions merge with the plot creating just the right ambiance to have you energised while overlooking a small town at sunset or feeling cozy in a cute pub.

There’s also mystery. Just what is the story with Nik? There are cues, clues and misdirections. I thought I had him sussed out by about a third of the way in, then I began to doubt myself and then… well, let’s just say you have to read the book to find out and enjoy even more.

Jess is such a sweet central character. She’s not had the easiest life but she’s resilient and determined to be happy while making her own way in this world. That determination may sometimes cloud her judgment and blind her to something beautiful right there in front of her. However, how her eyes are opened and how she discovers the magic of romance is delightful.

Then there are the charming cast at Willow Court, her grandmother’s care home. I loved how the author provides very convincing characters here. The realities of elderly persons living with dementia, heart illnesses, loneliness etc is touched on. I really enjoyed the ‘care facts’ and tools that are covered. I especially enjoyed how those details work with the story and never interrupt flow or setting.

And Christmas: It’s a Christmas story with a protagonist who works in a toy store while helping the residents of a care home plan their Christmas bash. The Christmas details are certainly jolly from the food to traditions to the gorgeous window displays… absolutely delightful.

I adored this story. The setting is perfect, the characters perfectly flawed and the feelings wonderfully real!

I adore this author's book and this was a fabulous read!

The story is very well developed, the writing style is perfect and she has got such a lovely natural flow to the book it was a delight to read.

I love the setting for the book and the characters were lovely, I warmed to them from the outset and I have already told my mum that she needs to get her hands on a copy of this one and read it ASAP!

It is another 5 star read for me from this author - I thought that the story was fantastic, well developed with some fantastic characters - I loved it right from the start when I saw the stunning cover - very highly recommended!!

The Winter We Met by Samantha Tonge
Publication Date: October 8, 2020
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“When charming, mysterious Nik sits next to Jess on a plane home from a Christmas toy trade fair, she never could have imagined the impact he'd have on her life. As they touch down in London, Jess is hesitant to let Nik walk away, and before she knows it, she's invited him to visit.

As the two take in the delights of the toy store where she works, Jess gets an upsetting phone call. Willow Court, her grandmother's care home, is to close before Christmas. Jess is determined to find the perfect new home for her Gran – and throw the best Christmas party Willow Court has ever seen! But time is running out with the closure looming and Jess becomes increasingly drawn to enigmatic Nik who joins forces with her and best friend Oliver to realise those plans.

Will a chance encounter on an aeroplane bring love to Jess's life or is this Christmas miracle too good to be true?”
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Thank you to @NetGalley @headofzeus #ariapublishing for the digital ARC in return for my honest review.
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My thoughts...
This is my first book from Samantha Tonge. Reading about the Willow Court residents was fun. The rest of the story, which was mostly about the romcom side of things was okay. Some parts dragged on and sometimes felt like just unnecessary dialogue or musings. I did not connect with the characters. I felt something was missing for the story to have ended the way it did. However, it was quite a festive read.

Thanks Netgalley for allowing me to read this book. Jess is flying home from a toy convention when she meets Nik. When they arrive in England she invites Nik to see the toy shop she oversees. I enjoyed the different characters and the chemistry between Jess and Nic.

I have been a fan of Samantha’s work for a while now. I haven’t quite read every single book that she has released but I am getting there. I read the synopsis for ‘The Winter We Met’ and I had a gut feeling that I was going to fall in love with this book and then some. I was spot on too because I thoroughly enjoyed every single minute of ‘The Winter We Met’ but more about that in a bit.
Oh my word, ‘The Winter We Met’ was just an adorable read. I took to the main character of Jess right from the very beginning. In fact it didn’t take me long until I began to think of her as being a friend. She hasn’t had the easiest of childhoods for one reason and another. She has a tight bond with her grandmother and they seem more like mother/ daughter than grandmother/ granddaughter. Her Gran now lives in what sounds like a sheltered housing complex or a nursing home with dual registration. Some of the residents have no specific health issues, whilst others are suffering with the onset of dementia. Jess’ Gran seems quite at home there and there seems to be a great community spirit. Jess visits her Gran as much as she can, although the home has been threatened with closure and I got the impression that Jess feels guilty about her Gran’s situation and the fact that she is going to have to move elsewhere. Jess is a lovely lass. She is friendly, fun loving, bright, kind, caring, compassionate, stubborn and tenacious. I was keeping everything crossed that things would work out well for Jess and her Gran. What happens? Well for the answers to those questions and so much more you are going to have to read the book for yourselves to find out as I am not going to tell you.
I was drawn into this story from the very start. It was as if the book developed a hypnotic hold over me and it was a hold that I didn’t want to break. To say that reading ‘The Winter We Met’ was addictive seems to be the understatement of the year! I loved the story, the characters and the author’s writing style and I couldn’t bear to be parted from this delightful read for a single second. My Kindle wasn’t exactly glued to my hand but it might as well have been because it travelled everywhere with me. I loved the character of Nik, who charms the old and young ladies alike. I thought that I had an inkling as to how the story was going to pan out and of course I had to keep reading the book to discover if I was on the right track or if I had the wrong end of the stick entirely. The pages were turning so quickly that the page numbers became a blur. All too quickly I reached the end of this delightful story and I had to say goodbye to Jess and Nik.
‘The Winter We Met’ is absolutely brilliantly written but I then I have thought that to be true of all of Samantha’s books that I have had the pleasure of reading to date. Samantha has one of those writing styles that reads more like a chat between friends than reading an actual book. She draws you into the story from the synopsis alone and the story within the book’s covers just seals the deal. I hope that makes sense. Samantha creates adorable characters who are impossible to dislike and who the reader will take to their hearts. I was gripped by this book from start to finish and I was left feeling all warm and fuzzy inside when I read the last word on the last page.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘The Winter We Met’ and I would definitely recommend this book to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Samantha’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.

This whole book is meh! It has taken me far longer to read it than it should have. It just rambled on and on and on and didn't seem to be going anywhere, I guessed the ending half way through and it did just seem to end on that.

There was a little festivity which was nice and a little bit of drama and mystery in the form of good old Nik, who to my dismay didn't turn out to be Santa . I am just sorry I couldn't love it.

A chance encounter on a plane that leads to a heartwarming romance – can winter romance books get better than that? The Winter We Met was the perfect holiday read to curl up to on a gloomy rainy day (the weather here in Bangladesh has been so weird) with a cup of coffee.

The Winter We Met took me on a joyous ride of all things British. There were vivid descriptions of food shops, English breakfasts, and just life in England in general. I loved the cozy atmosphere that surrounded me while I was reading the book. I’ve also never read a story where the characters were a part of the Toy industry before – and that added such a fascinating, Christmassy touch to the book!

I have always enjoyed reading books with older characters too, so I appreciated how Jess’ grandma and her fellow Willow Court Residents were included in the story. I loved the interactions that Jess shared with the people in Willow Court. The Christmas Farewell Party that they arranged was the perfect addition to this already perfect British romance! It totally got me in the holiday mood (once again, haha) and my heart ached to be in Willow Court after the book ended.

I discovered a sub-genre called Pawsitively Love Romances on Goodreads recently – it’s basically a romance novel where a dog is a part of the story. It’s my favorite genre at the moment, and having an adorable dog like Buddy in The Winter We Met made reading the book so much better! Holiday themed novels are incomplete without a fur baby, right?

The romance between Nik and Jess was really sweet too. There was an underlying mysterious side to Nik, I mean, nobody can be THAT perfect!!! I don’t want to spoil the story for you, so I’ll stop here, hehe. I’ll say this though - the book had a really satisfactory conclusion according to me. You’ll need to pick up the book to find out more. (PLEASE READ IT)

If you want to pick up a holiday-themed novel with heart-warming friendships and family moments, make sure to add The Winter We Met to your tbr!

ess is flying back home to London from a Children’s Toy Trade Show in Germany. Nik sits beside her on the plane journey home. With an instant connection, Jess and Nik realise they have a lot in common. Nik’s family run a toy manufacturing company. Jess works at the toyshop Under the Tree in the village of Springhaye. Getting along so well, once back in London, Nik and Jess end up spending the rest of the day together.

With Nik spending some time in London researching for the family business, he and Jess get to know each other well. Jess even introduces him to her beloved grandma Alice, who lives at Willow Court Care Home. The residents have all been told the care home will close and they will all have to find new homes – just before Christmas. Meaning they wont be able to have their annual Christmas Party. Nik and Jess vow to give the residents of Willow Court a party they wont forget.

With party preparations in full swing, could romance be on the cards for Nik and Jess? The Winter We Met is such a lovely , heart-warming story with a few twists and turns along the way. Packed full of love, friendship and Christmas spirit.

Jess meets Nik on her flight on the way back from a toy fair, there is an instant connection.

Can Jess let Nik walk away?

This is the perfect heartwarming Christmas read that gives you all the feels.

This book is the sort of setting you would expect to find made into a film on the Christmas channel.

Simply joyful, so glad I had the pleasure to read on this rainy afternoon.

The description does indeed say it all - this is a heartwarming, charming festive read!

When handsome and charming Nik sits next to Jess on a plane on the way home from a Christmas Toy Fair, she had no idea the impact he would have on her life. Just what impact will this chance encounter have on her life? What will Oliver, Jess's best friend, and roommate think of her budding friendship with Nik? Is Nik too good to be true?

Jess's grandmother's care home, Willow Court set to close before Christmas, Jess is trying to find the perfect new home for her while at the same time throwing a party for the Willow Court before its closure. With help from Oliver and Nik, Jess sets out to accomplish her goal!

This proved to be a fast, engaging, charming, and endearing book. If you are looking for a festive heartwarming romance this one just might be the book for you!

Thank you to Aria and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.

This author always manages to capture the spirit of Christmas in her festive stories. They are fun and often romantic, but they have a deeper, more serious message too.

This story focuses on toy shops and care homes and their residents. It's about family, friends, having fun and gets across the message that you don't stop dreaming, feeling and hoping just because you're getting older and your body and mind are diminishing.

Jess meets Nik on a flight back from a toy fair, they get along and when they land he visits the toy shop where she works. Nik appears to be a kind man, willing to help others, and Jess starts to fall in love with him. Is everything as it appears or is she missing something important?

The characters all bring something to this story. Trying to help them as they lose their security brings Jess and her friends closer to the residents and workers and all have interesting stories to tell. The dynamics of the relationship between friends and family are believable.

The romance is gentle, and a little mysterious for Jess but the ending is realistic and satisfying.

I received a copy of this book from Aria Fiction via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

A lovely book. It was an interesting plot so I’m glad I read it!! I love winter books and this one fits the bill perfectly

More than anything I enjoyed the portrayal of the residents in the care home as real people rather than stereotypes. Against this backdrop, we see charasmatic Nik winning the residents over but is there more to him than meets the eye? After all, Jess met the Australian on a flight and knows litle about him. Will her flatmate's concerns prove to be unfounded or not? As the events play out during the preparations for a residents' Christmas party before the home closes, we wonder if there will be a happy ending, as someone may be left very disappointed if Nik turns out to be a conman. Lovely, Christmassy feel in this gentle read.

Fa la la la festive! This was such a charming story bursting with holiday cheer. Jess meets Nick when she sits in the wrong seat on the plane flying home. Jess is enchanted by Nick’s old-fashioned charm. When back in the UK Jess and Nick continue to develop their friendship based on their mutual interests of toys and books. Oliver, Jess’s BFF and roommate is less than pleased with this new budding friendship. Nick seems to be a little too good to be true, but is there more to this story?

This book was so comforting like a warm hug. Jess, Nick, and Oliver were such delightful characters. I just loved the wholesome and whimsical vibe of this entire story. The residence at the home where Jess’s Gran lived were simply lovely. Yummy treats. Darling decorations. Engaging characters. Sweet relationships. A perfect Christmas gem!

This book in emojis 🎄 🐶 🎅🏻 ❄️ ✈️ 🍸

*** Big thank you to Aria for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***

Thanks to NetGalley for a arc copy for a honest review. The Winter We Met” reminds me of a hallmark movie. This book put’s me into the Christmas spirt. 4 star read

Happy Reading Lisa

What a sweet story. Perfect for reading before Christmas.

Jess meets a stranger (Nik) on a plane and he seems to be perfect. He's kind, interesting, caring, and he shares her love for the toy business. Is there more to him than meets the eye? And what about the other people in her life... her flatmate Oliver, co-worker Seb, and Gran and all her old friends in the nursing home? The story interweaves their lives as Jess tries to figure out what is important to her.

I really enjoyed the story as it was truly sweet and cozy. It started slowly (for maybe the first 1/4 of the story) but I stuck with it and learned to love the characters, and it definitely got more interesting as the book went on.

I enjoyed that it was a clean story with no language or sex.

Thank you for this advanced copy as a reviewer for NetGalley.

This is the 1st Book that I have read by that author and I will definitely be reading more books by the author , This book tells the story of Jess and Nik and how they met on a flight and it also tells the story of the toy shop Jess works in and also the story of Jess Gran and willow court where she lives.

with thanks to Netgalley & Head of Zeus/Aria for the Arc of this book in exchange for my honest review

Travelling alone is never much fun, but Jess finds herself sat next to chatty Aussie Nik on the return flight after a work conference and the two hit it off. With their shared line of work the pair find the time flies past and before they know it they have touched down in London. Realising their chance meeting was something special and not wanting their time together to end Jess decides to invite Nik to spend some time with her whilst he is working in London, hoping to develop the blossoming friendship. 

It's the countdown to Christmas, but Jess finds herself unable to celebrate after the news that her beloved Grandmother's Alice's care facility is to be closed in a matter of weeks to make way for a luxury hotel. She finds herself juggling the pressure of managing a toy shop in the run up to Christmas with the need to find alternative accommodation for Alice and is more than happy to accept the offer of help from Nik, whose full of amazing ideas including a last hurrah Christmas party. But, is there an ulterior motive behind his interest in Willow Court and it's residents and how much does Jess really know about this mysterious stranger?

The Winter We Met is filled to the absolute brim with all the festive feels, with community and Christmas spirit leaking from every page. Whilst there is a romantic element to this story, like many of Sam's other books this is only a small part of what we get as a reader. There are a whole host of colourful character's, especially the older residents of Willow Court, that just come to life thanks to Sam's beautifully written character development. It was these insights into the character's highs and lows that helped give me that special heartwarming glow, as I learnt of their individual struggles as well as how they all pulled together as a community to over come problems.

Nik is an interesting character and the way he is written into the story left me guessing and continually changing my mind about his real intentions when it came both to his relationship with Jess as well as his befriending of the residents. He is a real mystery for most of the book with snippets of insight littered throughout and only really coming to fruition during the last few chapters, keeping me frantically turning the pages!

As for the romance in this book it isn't your usual scenario and I really liked that it surprised me by deviating from the usual formula books of this genre use. One of my favourite aspects of the story though was the special goodbye Christmas party planned at Willow Court as it is It's A Wonderful Life themed! Confession time..... I only watched this film for the first time last year and I absolutely adored it - it had a bigger impact on me that I thought! I enjoyed how Sam used aspects from the film along the way to weave into the mystery and it helped ramp up the feels on the Christmas meter!

I say it every time I read a new book by Sam, but The Winter We Met is now my favourite of her books. It has all the perfect elements to make the perfect cosy read and I couldn't put it down. It's one of the most Chrissmassy books I've read and I am going to be re-reading this again in December to give myself a 'top-up' of feel -good festive vibes. If you are looking for something to lose yourself in for a while then this is the perfect read and I highly, highly recommend it!

A heart warming book that should be read with a cup of tea and a warm blanket. I loved this tale and I am going to read more of Samantha in the future.

I received this book as an ARC from Netgalley in return for my honest opinion.

First, I want to thank Samantha Tonge, Atria Books, NetGalley and Rachel's Random Resources for providing me with this book so I may bring you this review!

Samantha Tonge will have you wanting to call your Gram after reading her latest book The Winter We Met! This book had me missing my late Gram so much. Wishing I could call her in Heaven to talk to her.

This book is for all the care workers who’ve been working so tirelessly during this year’s Coronavirus pandemic. She thinks you are all superstars and I totally agree with her.

The cover of the book The Winter We Met reminds of one of those cute holiday cards you get in the mail. It looks like a cartoonish winter scene. It is really pretty and so appropriate.

The Winter We Met is a book that brings both younger and older generations together. I loved how the older generation shared their fascinating stories of their younger days. Both generations definitely learned from each other.

Samantha brings up some serious topics that our senior population is facing today. Physical abuse within the nursing homes is one of those important topics. That issue has been all over the news lately and more awareness needs to be done. Depression and Alzheimer’s are also topics that are mentioned in this book.

The bond Jess had with her Gran was truly a special one that I admired.

Toy Manufacturing is such a unique career choice that Samantha chosen for Jess. I love when authors think outside of the box with their storylines or characters names-shows to me they are so creative.

Many parts of this book I found myself laughing as it had many cute and comical parts to it.